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Shops demand right to open on holidays without €700 charge
GRTU submits request for suspension of legally enforceable charge of €700 on retail outlets opening on public holidays.
The Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) has asked the government to suspend a legally enforceable charge of €700 on each retail outlet that opens on public holidays.
GRTU said it had submitted a request for the suspension of the legally enforceable charge of €700 on each retail outlet wishing to open on St Paul's day, Freedom Day, Sette Giugno, Mnarja, Victory Day and Independence Day.
"By general consent of retailers and their employees, no request was submitted for the opening of shops on Christmas Day and on Good Friday. GRTU strives for the freedom of shop owners to be given the opportunity to decide themselves on which dates to open for business but insists on due respect to traditions and the special characteristics of the Maltese.
"GRTU continues to support shopowners' and their employees' freedom to choose to reserve a day of rest, preferably on Sunday, which in Malta is for most the family day of rest. The shift GRTU is demanding is from a legal imposition, to a choice by shop owners, who in their vast majority are owner-managers and family businesses."
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Has Government noted that one of the measures to kick-start the Italian economy made by Italy's new PM Monti was to liberalise the opening hours of retail outlets? This is no measure made by a Maltese 'cuc', so perhaps the Ministry of Finance may consider doing the same - without the 700 Euro fee, of course.
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Let the market decide when should shops open or not and stop the government intrusion in business affairs. Those that do not agree should just refrain from going shopping on public holidays.
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Let the market decide when should shops open or not and stop the government intrusion in business affairs. Those that do not agree should just refrain from going shopping on public holidays.
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Let the market decide when should shops open or not and stop the government intrusion in business affairs. Those that do not agree should just refrain from going shopping on public holidays.
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Let the market decide when should shops open or not and stop the government intrusion in business affairs. Those that do not agree should just refrain from going shopping on public holidays.
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It is time that we allow shops to open as they please and in a way that fits their selling business model on a 24hour/ 7day a week. I can shop online any time I want so why cannot I do the same in a bricks and mortar shop. As happens abroad it will also give a new lease of life to convenience stores which are mainly village and town corner shops which are gradually dying out in malta. Working and shopping patterns have changed as people work unusual hours and also entertain and cook at irregular hours. Of course opening and closing times should be voluntary and no shop should be forced to open other than the hours which suit its specific retailing model and clientele needs target.
Luke Camilleri •
Don't retail outlet employees need a well deserved break and enjoy a Public Holiday with quality family time?
Don't they work enough long hours , most on 6 day split shift week from 8 to 1 and from 3 to 7 including Saturdays?
Do give them a break and Thank God for Public Holidays and quality famiy time!
